RETURNING servicemen received a hero’s welcome as they marched through Bangor.

The Welsh Guards paraded through the city yesterday (Wednesday, January 23) to mark their return from Afghanistan.

Commanding officer Major Julian Salusbury: “It’s always a pleasure to come to north Wales and we’re very happy to be here; it’s a real honour to march through the city.”

The regiment’s visit comes after the Ministry of Defence outlined a round of 5,300 army redundancies, as it looks to reduce numbers from 102,000 to 82,000 by 2017.

Major Salusbury said: “The whole army’s affected by it, and we are affected to a lesser extent.

“The Welsh Guards will remain but we will understandably take out fair share of cuts in man power, but it will be fairly minimal.”

Major Salusbury expected the majority of redundancies to be voluntary.

Mayor of Bangor councillor Bryn Hughes, Lord Lieutenant Huw Daniel and Bishop of Bangor Andrew John were among the dignatires who welcomed the troops.

Cllr Hughes said: “What’s important more than anything is that we’re here to welcome them home from Afghanistan.

“It’s a great pleasure for me as mayor to welcome them back."

After the mayor inspected the troops, they marched past the cathedral, through the High Street, along Dean Street, on to Garth Road and Deiniol Road, before falling out outside Penrhyn Hall.

Many people from around the region lined the streets to greet the Welsh Guards.
Theresa Dillman, of Menai Bridge, said: “I think it needs to be recognised, particularly with the Afghanistan, what they go through.”